The West Coast Group is built on fresh ingredients, a relaxing atmosphere, and, most of all, great-tasting food.

It all began in 1997, when Douw Krugmann bought a small fresh fish restaurant in Cape Town’s famous V&A Waterfront. After operating a Spur Steak Ranch for 13 years, it was the next step in his lifelong quest to improve the restaurant experience in South Africa. The small restaurant happened to also sell fresh seafood for customers to take home, and, after experiencing how much better fresh fish tasted when compared to the frozen variety most other restaurants serve, the idea for Cape Town Fish Market was born.

After settling on a name, and determining that fresh fish would be a cornerstone of Cape Town Fish Market, Douw turned to one of CTFM’s most instantly recognisable features – it’s style and atmosphere. This is when CTFM developed its distinctive decor, defined by picturesque landscapes and old images that capture the bygone days of fishing – a style designed to evoke the sea, and the traditions of freshness and sustainability that CTFM strives to uphold.

The menu was created from scratch by Douw himself, and brought together the best of both South African and Japanese cuisine – from fish & chips to classic sashimi. It was in creating this unique menu that CTFM became the first restaurant franchise to introduce the sushi conveyor belt to South Africa, and bring our customers an entirely new, convenient and exciting way to enjoy our sushi.

The second Cape Town Fish Market opened its doors in Canal Walk in 2000, and the franchise has grown ever since. Today, CTFM is incredibly proud to have 10 locations across South Africa, as well as one in Tanzania, one in Zanzibar, one in Windhoek, and, for 10 years between 2005 and 2015, a successful franchise in London.

Since the first CTFM franchise opened its doors, it has added three more brands to the group. Fat Fish Cafe, Happy Folks and Kapstadt Brauhaus.

Kapstadt Brauhaus offers a menu of traditional German cuisine, including eisbein, schnitzels, pretzels, German sausages and alpine pizza. Patrons can also pull in for a pint of one of the many local and international beers on offer. It is the perfect venue for after-work drinks, family lunches, sports matches and celebrations with daily entertainment ranging from oompah groups to brass bands.

Do you ever get nostalgic and think back to the ways things were when we were young? Games, vivid colours, and lots of laughter? At Happy Folks, you’ll get transported back to a world of excitement, with great selections of food and drinks available!

They have something for every occasion, whether it’s a quick bite to eat, after-work drinks, birthday celebrations, catching up with friends, or even team building with your colleagues. No matter what, they will encourage you to have a great time and indulge in their interactive in-store games.

The West Coast group has created a group of uniquely restaurants that are truly world-class, but more than anything, we love serving you only the tastiest food.